MR. ANAHEIM: Let's get a dog park in town

Anaheim is looking at developing a pooch park, but for now residents have parks in several neighboring cities to choose from, including this one in Fullerton. FILE PHOTO

Q. How come there aren't any off-leash dog parks in Anaheim?

– Jose Flores, Anaheim

A. As the proud owner of a German shepherd, I know the desire to have a large patch of green where a dog can run free – and get out some of that hyper-pooch energy.

But as the proud father of two young children, I also know the fear of going to a park and seeing a big dog running free, not knowing whether that dog is friendly.

For the courtesy of all park guests, most cities have strict guidelines on when and if a dog, or other animal, can roam free in a city park.

Anaheim's ordinance – which consists of stiff language that makes it sound as if it were written many decades ago – reads:

"Within the limits of any of said parks, it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to do any of the acts hereinafter specified, to-wit:

"... To hitch, fasten, lead, drive or let loose any animal or fowl of any kind, provided that this shall not apply to dogs when led by a

cord or chain, not more than six feet long."

In other words, you can take your dog to any Anaheim park provided it's on a leash that is six feet or shorter (No chickens -- leash or not).

But you're right, Jose, Anaheim seems like a pretty large city not to have a single dog park where you can let your puppy run loose.

That may soon change, says city spokeswoman Ruth Ruiz (who, by the way, is one of the most dog-friendly people you'll ever meet). She responded to your question via email with this:

"Good news for dog owners!" she wrote. "The city does have plans for at least one dog-use area. We are looking at locations citywide, and we invite public input through the Anaheim Outdoors Connectivity Plan (www.anaheimoutdoors.net).

"Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive notifications about community meetings to discuss parks, trails and more throughout the city – including dog-use areas in new or existing park space. A public meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon April 13 at Olive Hills Park (700 Nohl Canyon Road) to discuss an unused portion at that park for dog use."

In the meantime, several surrounding cities already have dog parks. Here's a partial list via ocdogfriendly.com:

• Buena Park: Bellis Dog Park, 7171 8th St.

• Fullerton: Pooch Park, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave.

• Garden Grove: Dog Park, 9301 Westminster Ave.

• Orange: Dog Park, 190 S. Yorba St.

Send Mr. Anaheim your thoughts: With the Angels coming back to town next week for the first regular-season home game of the 2013 season, on April 9, it got me thinking: The Angels have been around since 1961 and in Anaheim since 1966. Send me a few sentences about your favorite Angels player – current or past – and I'll include some responses in a future column about who my favorite Angel is and why: Mr.AnaheimQuestions@gmail.com.

If you have questions or comments for Mr. Anaheim, contact him at Mr.AnaheimQuestions@gmail.com.

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